• Leyland Bus unveiled its low-emission Volvo-engined Lynx under the banner of the "Lynx City Bus Concept Vehicle" in Amsterdam last week.

In an attempt to adapt the Lynx for the European market, a six-cylinder Volvo engine has been fitted to the popular UK vehicle, instead of the normal Cummins LIO or Gardner engine. This new THD 102 KF is turbocharged and features a new intercooler system of two cooling elements to reduce the temperature of the intake air. It has a power output of 180kW (245hp) at 2,200rpm. The engine also fits in with European demands for lower exhaust emissions, says Leyland Bus. The company claims that it meets with the US emission requirements of 1990 and will be well within the expected 1994 Swiss and Swedish requirements.

Thermal efficiency has been improved by 42% and a low noise level has been achieved by combining a high compression ratio with noise isolation which consists of a built-in vibration damper and oil sump with a sound-proofing plate. Volvo has also developed another environmental engine, the THD 10210 with a power rating of 210kW.

Other changes include a shorter wheelbase of 5,500mm (from 5,600nun) and a larger front overhang of 2,650 (from 2,350mm). The rear overhang, frame height and 11.33min length remain unchanged. There is a larger entrance door to suit Continental demand and a low entry step hoped to be a good selling point in the European market.

The Lynx Concept is currently being modelled on Leyland axles but, according to Leyland Bus, there is talk of fitting Volvo Wes instead.

Leyland Bus says: "The Lynx City Bus Concept Vehicle is still in the early stages and will have to undergo many tests before it goes onto the market. Whether we fit a Volvo axle depends on the test results and market demand."

The company says it is too early to say when or if the new Lynx model will be introduced into the UK PSV market.

A new intercooler system has been fitted to three of the six engine alternatives on the MK. Three version of Volvo's BlOM. The system has two separate cooling units which Volvo claims can reduce the temperature of the intake air to below 60°C which, combined with increased compression, gives improved emission quality, better engine efficiency and reduced fuel consumption.